Train services to Gatwick airport are set for further disruption next week due to another strike by Southern Rail staff.
Conductors, who are members of the RMT union, are due to stage a stoppage between August 8-12 in a long-running dispute with Southern’s franchise operator Govia Thameslink, which also runs the Gatwick Express service.
Talks have been going on this week between the train operator and the RMT to try to prevent the strike – these negotiations are being mediated by conciliation service ACAS.
Southern has already been running a reduced daily service since July 11 after being affected by a high level of staff sickness during the last few months.
“If this strike takes place, there will be significant disruption with no service on some lines and only a limited service over limited hours on other,” warned Southern about next week’s strike.
Southern services to Gatwick will be “reduced” from August 8-12, with “trains expected to be very busy”. Gatwick Express said it would run its “normal timetable” with some alterations to Brighton services.
The RMT strike will run from 12.01am on Monday, August 8, to 11.59pm on Friday, August 12. The dispute is over Govia Thameslink’s plans to roll out “driver-only operated” trains.
Easyjet warned its passengers travelling from Gatwick: “Southern Rail have implemented an amended timetable on Mondays to Fridays.
“We still however advise where possible to make alternative transport arrangements when travelling to and from Gatwick Airport in order to avoid any delays to your journey.”